Hajat Kulthum Muzaata, widow of late Sheikh Muzaata Batte has announced her divorce from her husband, Acram Gumisiriza after three years of marriage.
In a statement on Monday, she said things have not moved as she thought with the new husband and they have decided to call it quits.
“ After much reflection, deep soul-searching, and countless attempts to mend what’s been broken between us, I have come to the difficult decision to end our marriage. This is not something I do lightly, and it is not an impulsive act. It is the result of months-perhaps years-of feeling the distance between us grow despite every effort to bridge it,” she said.
“We both know our relationship has changed. The love we once shared, the connection we used to nurture, now feels like something we’re only trying to hold together out of habit, history, or fear. I no longer feel seen, heard, or supported in the ways that matter most. And I imagine, if you’re honest with yourself, you’ve felt the same too.”
Dr.Kulthum got married to Gumisiriza in 2022 after Sheikh Muzaata’s death in 2021 but she says things have for the last three years not moved according to plan for the last three years.
“This is one of the hardest letters I’ve ever had to write, but I believe it’s time to speak from the bottom of my heart and put into words what I’ve been carrying inside for a long while.This is not about blame. It’s about acknowledging that we are no longer good for each other in the way that a partnership should be. And while it breaks my heart to say goodbye to the life we once imagined together, I know that holding on any longer would only deepen the pain for both of us.”
She however said she wants the divorce process to be as respectful and cooperative as possible.
“I hope we can part ways with grace, preserving the dignity of what we had. If there are legal matters or shared responsibilities we need to work through, I am committed to handling them with fairness and maturity.”
“As we navigate this divorce, I want to acknowledge the spiritual and religious weight this decision carries. Marriage was not only a personal commitment but also a sacred one, and ending it is not something I take lightly. I have prayed, reflected, and sought peace in my heart before coming to this conclusion. While this may not be the outcome we envisioned, I believe that even in endings, Allah offers guidance, mercy, and the opportunity for healing. I hope we can move forward with grace, forgiveness, and a shared respect for the spiritual foundation that brought us together in the first place.”
The marriage between Dr. Hajat Kulthum Nabunya Muzaata and Acram Gumisiriza has been under public scrutiny since its inception, with many critics questioning the timing and appropriateness of the union following the passing of Kulthum’s late husband, the revered Sheikh Muzaata Batte. Some members of the public viewed the marriage as a sign of disrespect to the legacy of the late cleric, sparking widespread debate, particularly within the Muslim community.
Throughout their relationship, the couple faced several challenges, including a major scandal involving Acram. He was accused by a young woman of attempting to rape her after allegedly offering her a lift in his car. The accusation stirred public outrage, though Acram publicly denied the allegations, claiming that the woman’s intentions were to tarnish his reputation.
Two years ago, social media buzzed with rumors of a breakup between the couple. At the time, Dr. Kulthum refuted the claims, explaining that she had traveled to Dubai for business-related duties and had not separated from her husband.
Despite the couple maintaining a public front over the years, Dr. Kulthum’s recent public letter confirming their divorce has now put the speculation to rest. However, Acram, who is currently residing in the United States, has yet to issue any statement in response to the announcement or address the status of their marriage.
